Illinois lawmakers are considering new legislation to support engineering students and address workforce shortages in the state. Senator Don DeWitte has joined as Chief Co-Sponsor of Senate Bill 3855, which would establish the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act. This act proposes scholarships for engineering students at public universities in Illinois, with recipients agreeing to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation for at least three years after graduation.
The bill aims to tackle a shortage of engineers as experienced professionals retire and fewer graduates enter the field. The engineering sector contributes $20.7 billion annually to Illinois’ gross domestic product and supports over 182,000 jobs statewide. Recent national data shows an annual shortfall of about 18,000 engineers, with 184,000 leaving the profession and only 166,000 new graduates entering each year.
If passed, the scholarship program would be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from July 1, 2027, through July 1, 2031. The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Illinois Senate.
Senator DeWitte is also co-sponsoring Senate Bill 2991 to strengthen protections for students following sexual assaults in schools. The proposed law would require expulsion for at least one year for any student committing or attempting sexual assault on school grounds or during school-related activities.
Supporters argue that stronger measures are necessary after a recent case where a student who admitted to sexual assault was not suspended or expelled. “According to the victim’s parents, they were forced to repeatedly seek court-issued orders of protection to keep their daughter safe.” The measure would align disciplinary responses to sexual assault with existing policies on weapons in schools. Senate Bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a package aimed at ensuring energy reliability and affordability as Illinois increases electrification efforts. Senator DeWitte is a co-sponsor of all four bills included in this package:
– Senate Bills 3970 and 3979 call for comprehensive studies before approving major gas transition projects.
– Senate Bill 3929 seeks to extend closure dates for power plants by ten years beyond current targets.
– Senate Bill 4028 aims to update interconnection rules that have led to project delays and inconsistent upgrade costs.
Lawmakers cite concerns about rising energy costs and grid stability based on recent resource adequacy studies warning of potential challenges if infrastructure decisions are not managed carefully. The legislative package focuses on maintaining current energy infrastructure and preventing higher utility bills for families and small businesses.
In other developments, Indiana lawmakers have advanced legislation supporting a potential new stadium project for the Chicago Bears as negotiations continue in Springfield regarding keeping the team in Illinois. Some Republicans attribute this situation to Governor JB Pritzker’s policies: “Senate Republicans say the ongoing stadium situation is yet another example of Governor JB Pritzker failing to recognize the damage his policies are doing to the people, employers, and job creators of this state.”
Despite advantages such as workforce strength and central location, critics claim high taxes make it difficult for businesses like the Bears organization to remain in Illinois. While Indiana’s governor has already signed relevant legislation into law, discussions continue among Illinois legislators without a clear resolution.
Meanwhile, nominations have opened for the seventh annual Makers Madness competition organized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. The contest celebrates products made in Illinois and recognizes workers within its manufacturing sector. Previous winners include Caterpillar’s mining truck produced in Decatur and Rivian’s R1T electric pickup truck manufactured in Normal.
DeWitte has represented Illinois’ 33rd Senate District since being elected in 2018 as a Republican successor to Karen McConnaughay.
For more information about nominations open until March 8th visit makersmadnessil.com.
